AutoArt 1:18 BMW 600

Reviewed by:
Patty Henderson

BMW introduced the 600 in 1957 to mainly positive reaction. While a true micro-car, the BMW 600 was BMW’s attempt to take a step up from their truly tiny car, he Isetta, which came under fire for being “too small.” Using the existing Isetta production toolings, the 600 appeared to be a stretch version with an additional 165cm. in length. It had stylish good looks (for a micro-car), lots of room inside (it seated 4), quiet engine, great ride and handling. The little 2 cylinder, 26 horsepower engine could easily take the 600 up hills and corner well along the The option of a Saxomat automatic transmission made the 600 even more attractive to the buyers. In competition with the VW Beetle, it was superior in performance, fit and finish but all that came with a steeper price tag which ultimately proved to be it’s undoing.. Despite its advantages, the BMW 600 ended its production in 1959 after only 35,000 units had been built. The public preferred the newly introduced BMW 700, which looked more like a “normal” car.

BMW introduced the 600 in 1957 to mainly positive reaction. While a true micro-car, the BMW 600 was BMW’s attempt to take a step up from their truly tiny car, he Isetta, which came under fire for being “too small.” Using the existing Isetta production toolings, the 600 appeared to be a stretch version with an additional 165cm. in length. It had stylish good looks (for a micro-car), lots of room inside (it seated 4), quiet engine, great ride and handling. The little 2 cylinder, 26 horsepower engine could easily take the 600 up hills and corner well along the The option of a Saxomat automatic transmission made the 600 even more attractive to the buyers. In competition with the VW Beetle, it was superior in performance, fit and finish but all that came with a steeper price tag which ultimately proved to be it’s undoing.. Despite its advantages, the BMW 600 ended its production in 1959 after only 35,000 units had been built. The public preferred the newly introduced BMW 700, which looked more like a “normal” car.

AA hasn’t scrimped on the engine detail either. While not a fire-breathing or horsepower producing power plant, the BMW 4-stroke engine is faithfully re-produced with the above average detail that AUTO art is famous for.

I’ve collected AUTO art models in the past and have been a fan of their quality in build and detail for years. Their rendition of the famous BMW 600 micro-car is a true delight for all collectors of offbeat BMWs or anyone wanting a precision replica of historical European automobiles. As one of the leaders in reproducing some of the finest European sports and luxury cars, AUTO art should look into doing more of these micro-cars. This little model has become a favorite in my “oddball” collection shelf. Surprisingly enough, it’s one of the models I find myself picking up just to pop open that funny little front door, peek at the small, detailed engine and roll on the shelf. It’s a winner any way you look at it.